HR0661 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0661 LRB100 15377 MST 30353 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Robert J. Wingert on the occasion of his retirement after more than 42 years as president of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois (CBAI); and

WHEREAS, In 1974, community bankers from across Illinois formed the Independent Community Banks of Illinois to nurture the great independent banking system in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Bob Wingert joined the then-Independent Community Banks of Illinois (ICBI) as its first employee and executive director in March of 1975; in 1987, ICBI became the Community Bankers Association of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Bob Wingert currently serves as the CEO and President of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Through passionate never-ending effort, Bob Wingert ably, enthusiastically, and tirelessly worked to strengthen the voice of community banking and led the association through more than 40 years of growth and change; and

WHEREAS, Bob Wingert has also served the Independent Community Bankers of America as a committee member, delegate, and member of the board of directors; and

WHEREAS, Bob Wingert has overseen the evolution of CBAI into one of the preeminent state banking associations in the nation, second to none in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Bob Wingert has enthusiastically championed the importance of community banks in Illinois, including its small businesses, farmers, community endeavors, students, and consumers; and

WHEREAS, Illinois community banks could not have found a more true and fierce advocate for the past 42 years than Bob Wingert; and

WHEREAS, Bob Wingert's legacy will be a continued strong and vibrant community banking profession, which is the economic foundation of America's main street; and

WHEREAS, Bob Wingert and his wife, Diane, are the parents of four children, Doak, Paige, Chase, and Cash; and

WHEREAS, Bob Wingert's tenure as president of CBAI will officially end on December 31, 2017; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Robert J. Wingert on his retirement after more than 42 years as president of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois, and we wish him the best in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Bob Wingert as an expression of our esteem and respect.